HB 23-1274 Summary

• Authorizes the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources to obligate and expend $5,000,000 from the Species Conservation Trust Fund in fiscal year 2023-24 for species conservation programs.

• Allocates funds across five conservation categories: native terrestrial wildlife conservation ($750,000), native aquatic wildlife conservation ($1,500,000), Upper Colorado River and San Juan River basin endangered fish recovery ($2,200,000), selenium management and research ($50,000), and federal endangered species act litigation ($500,000).

• Requires the species conservation eligibility list prepared by the executive director (after consulting with the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Parks and Wildlife Commission) to be approved through legislative bill passage before funds can be obligated.

• Declares the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.